From ancient Salona excavations to cutting-edge energy efficiency agreements, a dynamic alliance leverages historical ties to build economic resilience and defend collective European security!
Bilateral relations between Denmark and Croatia are anchored by deep historical ties and a highly active contemporary partnership within the EU and NATO. With bilateral trade reaching DKK 6.4 billion ( around 860 million euros) and Danish subsidiaries employing thousands of people in Croatia, the economic synergy between the two nations continues to yield tangible results. As Europe navigates complex geopolitical shifts, the common agenda increasingly focuses on energy security, sustainable development, and regional stability. In this exclusive interview for Diplomacy&Commerce, H.E. Anne Toft Sørensen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Croatia, discusses Denmark’s role in accelerating Croatia’s green transition, the unexpected parallels of hygge found in Croatian coffee culture, and how Copenhagen balances local autonomy with global security interests in the Arctic
following a milestone trilateral defense agreement.
1. How do you assess the current bilateral relations between Denmark and Croatia, and in which areas do you see the greatest potential for deepening political dialogue during your mandate?
Denmark and Croatia enjoy very good bilateral relations and cooperate closely within the EU and NATO. Our partnership is well established, with historical ties that extend beyond the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which we marked in 2022: From the Danish naval commander Hans Birch Dahlerup, who helped develop the port of Pula, to the archaeologist Ejnar Dyggve, who led excavations of ancient Salona near Split. During my mandate, I intend to maintain an active dialogue on European affairs, security, support for Ukraine, and the future direction of the EU. I also see considerable potential for closer economic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and partnerships between Danish and Croatian businesses. Denmark is renowned for its green transition, sustainable development, and digitalization.
2. How can Danish experience and investments assist Croatia in achieving its goals regarding energy and the green economy?
Economic cooperation between Denmark and Croatia is already well established. In 2025, bilateral trade amounted to DKK 6.4 billion, while our app. 50 Danish subsidiaries employed more than 3,000 people in Croatia, contributing to local employment and economic growth. Denmark has considerable experience in renewable energy and green solutions, and I see opportunities to share this expertise with Croatian partners, particularly in energy efficiency, sustainable technologies, and the green transition. Energy security and reliable supplies are increasingly important across Europe, making cooperation in these areas especially relevant. The Embassy is already supporting this agenda. In 2022, we signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Zagreb on green transition cooperation. We have also presented Green Together, an exhibition showcasing Danish and Croatian green solutions in Zagreb, Pula, and Split. I hope these initiatives will encourage further exchanges and practical partnerships between our countries.
3. As NATO allies, how do Denmark and Croatia cooperate to strengthen shared security, particularly in the context of current geopolitical challenges on the European continent?
Denmark and Croatia cooperate closely within NATO, sharing responsibility for collective defence and European security. Russia’s war against Ukraine has further underlined the importance of strong allied cooperation and continued support for Ukraine. Our common priorities include maintaining credible defence capabilities, strengthening NATO’s readiness, and responding to emerging security threats. This also involves addressing cybersecurity risks, protecting critical infrastructure, maritime security and improving resilience against hybrid threats. Continued coordination within NATO remains essential to our shared security.
4. What is Denmark’s perspective on the key challenges facing the European Union today, such as further enlargement, migration policy, and strengthening the Union’s economic resilience?
Denmark’s priorities include strengthening the EU’s security, competitiveness, and capacity to respond to a changing geopolitical environment. Denmark supports further EU enlargement, provided that the process remains merit-based and candidate countries meet the established membership criteria. Enlargement can contribute to greater stability and prosperity across Europe. Migration requires effective management of the EU’s external borders and close cooperation among Member States. A coordinated European approach is essential to addressing this challenge effectively.
5. The Danish concept of *hygge* and the welfare state model are highly esteemed worldwide. What cultural and educational initiatives do you plan to launch to bring Danish culture and the Danish way of life closer to Croatian citizens?
The Embassy works to bring Danish culture closer to Croatian audiences through art, film, literature, design, gastronomy, and educational exchanges. A recent cultural agreement with the City of Zagreb will provide further opportunities to strengthen these exchanges. One of our initiatives is Traces of Denmark, which explores the historical and contemporary connections between our two countries in culture, trade, and politics. Following successful editions in Pula and Split, we are planning the next edition in Dubrovnik. We have also recently opened The Eighth Sea, an exhibition by Bosnian-Danish artist Ismar Čirkinagić, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb. Since arriving to Croatia, I have already noticed how elements of hygge are reflected in Croatian everyday life, particularly in the coffee culture and the importance placed on spending time together. A visit to Zagreb’s Dolac Market also highlights the appreciation of good food and local traditions. I look forward to discovering more of these shared experiences while continuing to introduce Croatian audiences to Danish culture.
6. Greenland holds a unique autonomous status within the Kingdom of Denmark but also possesses growing geopolitical and climatic significance. What is the current dynamic of relations between Copenhagen and Nuuk, and how does Denmark balance local autonomy with global interests in the Arctic?
The Faroe Islands and Greenland are parts of the Danish Realm. Due to their special status nationally, historically and geographically, these parts of the realm have an extensive type of self-government. The Self-Government Arrangements allows the Faroese and the Greenlandic political authorities to transfer political competence and responsibility from the Danish political authorities. The Faroese and Greenlandic authorities administer the tasks taken over from the state, enact legislation in these specific fields and have the economic responsibility for these tasks. The Danish state provides an annual grant to the Faroese and the Greenlandic authorities. According to the Danish Constitution, the authorities of the Kingdom of Denmark have the authority to enter into obligations under international law as well as responsibility for conducting foreign policy. The Danish Government, the Faroese Government and Naalakkersuisut – the Government of Greenland – share the desire for close, respectful and equal cooperation on matters related to foreign, security and defense policy with particular relevance to the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
7. The recently signed trilateral agreement in New York between the USA, Denmark and Greenland has successfully calmed months of tension. How does official Copenhagen balance American strategic demands with preserving its own territorial integrity in the Arctic?
As the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has stated, we have signed a good agreement in September. For Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States. And for NATO and Europe. The agreement strengthens our common defence and security. And it is deeply rooted in the NATO Alliance. The agreement acknowledges and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.